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Quest for Audiophile Zen

I would like to apologize at the outset for what will seem yet another thread involving personal 'drama' without the benefit seemingly of any possibility of becoming provocative or interesting. However, I must head off the threat of emminent psychological demise attendant with having a stereo system that is not getting me where I need to be. I am currently using an Adcom gcd750 cd player in a system with stealth m-7 silver wires, an evs passive through a llano s200 into thiel 3.6 speakers. My system is bright and harsh and needs somewhat better control in the low frequencies. My first impulse is to upgrade the adcom and my budget will be $2000 max. Despite faithfully reading all the posts in audiogon and audio asylum, I have never been able to answer the above to my satisfaction. I would be extremely appreciative of any input from one of my more experienced audiophile collegues so that I can optimize my investment to get the best possible sound\$ Ratio.
Thanks
jph1

Showing 2 responses by leoturetsky

leoturetsky
103 posts
 
I had an awefully bright system with Thiel 1.5s. Two things did the trick and a third is on it's way. 1) Like Mcne said, try repositioning your speakers and avoid toe-in. 2) Try MIT MH-750 speaker wire and MI-330 interconnects. The newer MIT interconnects are impedance matched to your amp. Your's wasn't on the list but I'm sure contacting MIT will get you the right match. Thiels seem to really like networked cables. 3) I'm getting a set of Sound Anchors stands. You don't want the aluminum tweeter pointing right at your ears. With the 1.5s the stands will lift the tweeter about a foot over my head in the listening position. I anticipate this do work beautifully. Granted the 3.6s are a good deal taller than the 1.5s but it maybe the case.

I don't want to sound like I'm knocking the Thiels. They'll just bring out the worst in a system that doesn't "gel" with them. The MIT cabling and repositioning already has the brightness 90% tamed for me. The Thiels are also very position sensitive. Even a half inch change can bring noticably different sound.

Hope this helps. leo.
leoturetsky
103 posts
 
Wow. Really don't like the Thiels, Asa? Are Coincident speakers as clear as Thiels for the same price or lower? I'm just curious. I wouldn't give up my Thiels for anything for many reasons, clarity being one of them.

Thanks, leo.
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